Coronavirus: 5 ways parents can avoid being misled on COVID

The deadly impact of COVID and the high rate of transmissibility of the virus are the major concern of every parent. Though occurrence of COVID in kids is way lesser than it is in adults, there is no end to the apprehension of parents.

Parents panic a lot when it comes to the health of their child and when there is something as dangerous as a coronavirus lurking around the worry is inevitable. Stories of people getting hospitalized, reports on the massive outbreak of the virus in countries, coverage on how COVID has been brutal to many families have given parents restless days and nights.

What worsens the worries of parents is the over-availability of information. Data and information related to COVID-19 are available so much that it is difficult for a normal internet user to sort out the right one from the wrong one.

Easy access to mobile phones, cheap data packs, lockdown, more time in hand to spend on the internet are some of the factors that are giving rise to the spread of wrong information.

Parents should be extremely careful about COVID and in case of doubt should take the help of an expert as quickly as possible.

One should be selective while trying to know about the potential harms. Parents should know what is right and what is not right for them to know about COVID in association with kids.

As long as relevant information is available there is no issue; the real problem arises when you start following fake information which in a way talks a lot about the harms caused by the virus without having any link with the fact.

Parents should always follow medically relevant information.

Do not simply believe whatever is available on the internet. Follow only credible sources for updates on COVID in kids. Government bodies, agencies and media websites release timely updates on COVID.

Know what you consume. Do not overfeed your mind with stuff that is irrelevant to you. For example a detailed research report on COVID should not be read superficially, while reading it you should find out various aspects of the study like geographical region where the study was undertaken, group of population on whom the study happened, the duration, the methods used, etc.

Timely inoculation and following COVID-19 safety appropriate behaviour is the key to keep children safe from the infection. Instead of indulging otherwise, focus on following these basic safety rules and teach your child the same.

Do not air the fire of fake news. If you see anyone in your group spreading wrong information then bring it to the attention of others. Educate others about the importance of verified information and reach out to people with relevant data.

COVID is one of the many things we are dealing with right now. Though its spread at a global level is alarming, it does not make it omnipresent. Know the symptoms of the infection, gauge the severity and take consultation of experts and physicians whenever in doubt.